Abstract
Sustainability, well-being, and inclusion are critical objectives for human societies to thrive, but achieving them requires transformative changes in economic, political, and social systems. While ecological economics provides a unique perspective for addressing sustainability challenges, it needs to embrace a more explicit consideration of social equity and well-being. In this presentation, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of developing a framework that integrates sustainability, well-being, and inclusion to guide transformative change.
We begin by discussing the theoretical foundations of the framework, we propose a theoretical and practical approach that integrates insights from structural economics, input-output modelling, and environmental sciences to promote sustainability, well-being, and inclusion.
At its core, this framework is based on the idea that economic structures and systems are fundamental drivers of sustainability outcomes. Drawing on the work of economist Michal Kalecki, we recognize that economic systems are characterized by inherent power dynamics and structural inequalities that shape patterns of production, distribution, and consumption. These structural features can either enable or constrain sustainability transitions, depending on how they are configured.
To understand these dynamics and design effective policy interventions, we rely on input-output modelling techniques. These models allow us to map the flow of goods, services, and resources across different sectors of the economy and identify the most significant drivers of environmental impacts and social inequalities. By simulating different scenarios of policy intervention, we can evaluate the potential impacts of alternative economic structures and identify leverage points for transformative change.
Finally, we integrate insights from environmental sciences to ensure that our analysis accounts for the biophysical limits of the planet and the need to reduce environmental pressures and ecological risks. This involves developing indicators of ecological footprint, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and other key sustainability metrics to track progress towards sustainability objectives.
The framework emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the multiple dimensions of well-being, beyond just income and material wealth, and recognizing the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. It also highlights the importance of addressing social equity and inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition towards sustainability.
Next, we explore the practical challenges of implementing such a framework. We highlight the need for transdisciplinary inquiry and collaborative governance to ensure that different perspectives and values are taken into account, and that marginalized voices are heard. We also discuss the potential tensions and trade-offs between different dimensions of sustainability, well-being, and inclusion, and the need to find synergies and win-win solutions.
In conclusion, we argue that a framework integrating sustainability, well-being, and inclusion can provide a holistic and transformative approach to address the challenges of sustainability in a socially just and equitable manner. However, realizing this vision will require overcoming theoretical, practical, and political challenges, and embracing new paradigms of governance and economic organization.
We begin by discussing the theoretical foundations of the framework, we propose a theoretical and practical approach that integrates insights from structural economics, input-output modelling, and environmental sciences to promote sustainability, well-being, and inclusion.
At its core, this framework is based on the idea that economic structures and systems are fundamental drivers of sustainability outcomes. Drawing on the work of economist Michal Kalecki, we recognize that economic systems are characterized by inherent power dynamics and structural inequalities that shape patterns of production, distribution, and consumption. These structural features can either enable or constrain sustainability transitions, depending on how they are configured.
To understand these dynamics and design effective policy interventions, we rely on input-output modelling techniques. These models allow us to map the flow of goods, services, and resources across different sectors of the economy and identify the most significant drivers of environmental impacts and social inequalities. By simulating different scenarios of policy intervention, we can evaluate the potential impacts of alternative economic structures and identify leverage points for transformative change.
Finally, we integrate insights from environmental sciences to ensure that our analysis accounts for the biophysical limits of the planet and the need to reduce environmental pressures and ecological risks. This involves developing indicators of ecological footprint, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and other key sustainability metrics to track progress towards sustainability objectives.
The framework emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the multiple dimensions of well-being, beyond just income and material wealth, and recognizing the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. It also highlights the importance of addressing social equity and inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition towards sustainability.
Next, we explore the practical challenges of implementing such a framework. We highlight the need for transdisciplinary inquiry and collaborative governance to ensure that different perspectives and values are taken into account, and that marginalized voices are heard. We also discuss the potential tensions and trade-offs between different dimensions of sustainability, well-being, and inclusion, and the need to find synergies and win-win solutions.
In conclusion, we argue that a framework integrating sustainability, well-being, and inclusion can provide a holistic and transformative approach to address the challenges of sustainability in a socially just and equitable manner. However, realizing this vision will require overcoming theoretical, practical, and political challenges, and embracing new paradigms of governance and economic organization.
